Remington Mtn Rifle in .280 Caliber

I am thinking about trading it in because of the fact I can't walk into a store and buy ammo for it. Every now and then I will find a box of rem core locks in somewhere like basspro or sports academy. I can buy them online all day long if I want to. Should this be reason enough to trade it in? I am actually thinking about doing my own reloading for it because I really do like it. It shoots as good as I can anyway. What do y'all think? If I buy another it will be a 7mm rem mag.

Just saw this thread; gotta realize that there are many many times more "Guests" that actually view threads than members, so it may be a little while before replies start popping up.

I would reload for it, not only be able to fine tune your ammo, but also negate any issues with ammo shortages if they happen. Reloading is equally as enjoyable as range time IMO.

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Thanks wooleyworm. I ordered " The ABC's of Reloading " yesterday. I have been reading on alot of forums about reloading and it seems like something I may want to do. Just gotta figure out what all I need to get started. Thanks for your reply, Charlton

The .280 Remington is a great caliber, maybe one of the best ever designed. Remington made a lot of marketing mistakes with this cartridge, plus the 30-06 and the .270WCF both cartridges in the same class, had a big head start on this cartridge. If ease of ammo purchase is the key for keeping it, you might consider trading it off. If your a handloader, it can be one the most useful cartridges out there.

those who beat their guns into plowshares, will plow for those who didn't

Thanks wooleyworm. I ordered " The ABC's of Reloading " yesterday. I have been reading on alot of forums about reloading and it seems like something I may want to do. Just gotta figure out what all I need to get started. Thanks for your reply, Charlton

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you have come to a great place to figure out where you need to get started reloading, the ABC's is a great first manual. Lyman49th would be the 2nd one I would suggest.
Reloading is by no means difficult, it just takes the willingness to learn proper habits and to stay focused on your work.

Thanks for all the input men. I appreciate it. I'm sure that you all hear this question alot but...
How much will it cost me to get started reloading? Press, dies, bullets, powder, etc. I have about 60 shells from my past bought ammo. I been keeping them just in case I ever learn how to reload. Once again, thanks for your input.

The 280 remington started out as the 7mm express. Name was changed to 280 to avoid mixing it up with the 7mm remington magnum. It is a very good cartridge in its own right. I wish I had never sold mine to a friend. It does not give up that much to the 7mm remington mag ( my favorite) and is much easier on the shoulder.

With a good 160 grain bullet and handloads it will do anything you would ever need it to do. Reloading is a great hobby and you can probably get started for what it would have cost to trade for a 7 mag.

For me the slight advantage the 7mm has over the 280 is not worth the extra recoil and I like the shorter barrell of most 280,s to me that extra 2" of barrell on the 7mm Mag is a hinderance in a cramped deer stand

Looks like I will be re-loading. Savage170 you made a good point I havent thought about. You are right about having that extra 2" of barrel in a tight stand. I have a couple that the doorway is the tightest spot. Thanks for mentioning that.

The 280 remington started out as the 7mm express. Name was changed to 280 to avoid mixing it up with the 7mm remington magnum. It is a very good cartridge in its own right. I wish I had never sold mine to a friend. It does not give up that much to the 7mm remington mag ( my favorite) and is much easier on the shoulder.

With a good 160 grain bullet and handloads it will do anything you would ever need it to do. Reloading is a great hobby and you can probably get started for what it would have cost to trade for a 7 mag.

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No it actually started life as the .280 Rem. , Remington thought sales would improve if they called it a 7mm . So they changed the name to 7mm Express . Which did nothing for sales and resulted in confusion . So they changed the name back to .280 Rem. , it is a great cartridge , even Jack O'conner praised it over his beloved .270 . I don't know why anyone that shoots centerfire rifles , wouldn't reload , it's as much fun as shooting I think . I've been rolling my own since 1967 !